FAQs Counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling is a time and space for you to talk about whatever is troubling you. The aim for the counsellor is to create a safe, confidential and non-judgemental relationship in which you can feel confident to speak freely. The counsellor’s role is to work alongside you to help you make sense of your issues or problems, gain new insights and come to your own decisions about a way forward.

Individual counselling sessions lasts for 60 minutes and are on a weekly basis, we also offer 2 hourly slots, these slots must be arranged in advance with your counsellor.

It is equally important to remember that you don’t have to have something wrong with you, to find counselling helpful.

How does counselling work?

Being able to talk to someone is important as it helps you to make sense of confused and painful thoughts and feelings which you may have held inside yourself for a long time. Sharing this with a professional counsellor means that you don’t have to feel on your own with the problem anymore.

It may be difficult for you to talk to family and friends about personal issues. Talking to someone who is outside your immediate situation and who you can rely on to maintain confidentiality can be very helpful. It can help you to gain a different perspective.

Our counsellor will listen to you and make observations about what they hear and see. They will ask questions which enable you to go deeper into an understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The counsellor may suggest exercises or activities that could help resolve issues. These may be done during the counselling session or at home, and may involve for example, relaxation techniques, writing or drawing about your thoughts and feelings.

How do I know counselling is for me?

If you’re struggling with something, whether you know what it is or not, speaking with a professional can give you the tools you need to move on and start to feel better. No matter what your personal background, age or gender, counselling can be a life-changing experience and is the ultimate investment in your own well-being Our team of specialists will discuss how you’re feeling, and pair you with a dedicated counsellor who has the specialist experience needed to help you with what you’re going through.

I’ve never seen a counsellor before. Does that matter?

Whether you’ve seen a counsellor before or this is your first time, our specialist team will be able to help. We take the time to get to know you, and understand the issues you’re working through, so we can provide you with the best help possible. We will always make sure you know what to expect from our service, so you can focus on feeling better, rather than worrying about what’s supposed to happen next.

How many sessions will I need?

In your first session, your counsellor will draw up a programme of meetings for you to follow, the length of which will largely depend on what it is you’re going through. We tend to suggest regular ongoing sessions with your counsellor as we’re committed to providing you with a service that will help you long term. Emotional and psychological issues can rarely be worked through in a ‘quick fix’ way.

What can I expect from my counsellor?

The team at exploringU counselling are seasoned experts in their own specialist fields and will always treat you, and your feelings, with dignity and respect. Your sessions will be held in a peaceful and non-judgmental environment where you will be free to truly express yourself. Counsellors are only available during your session and we don’t provide an out of hours service. Each exploringUcounselling member of staff is dedicated to helping you feel better.

A counsellor should never force you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. You are always free to say no.

A counsellor will not tell you what to do and will generally not give answers to problems or advice, however, they may make suggestions and introduce you to different ways of looking at things or new skills such as problem-solving.

The counselling relationship is strictly professional; It is against ethical boundaries for a counsellor to invite you to meet them socially.

Your confidential information remains confidential, your counsellor will always discuss breaking confidentiality with you in the first instance, we will only ever break confidentiality to a third party, if we feel that you are at harm of hurting yourself or others.

When will I start to feel better?

You may find that you feel an initial sense of relief after sharing your situation with the counsellor. Many people begin to notice positive changes in their thoughts, feelings or behaviour after 6 or 12 sessions. Issues and problems which are more complex or have been going on for a long time will take longer to resolve.

As counselling can involve talking about painful memories and difficult emotions, you may feel vulnerable at times during counselling. This is a normal part of the healing process, painful emotions often need to be expressed and experienced before they can be resolved. Your counsellor will discuss with you ways of taking care of yourself at these times.

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Our Promise

We will find the right person from our team of specialists to help make a real difference in your life.
You will enjoy a confidential, supportive service that treats you with dignity and respect. You will be heard and not judged.